Method and system for analyzing payload information

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for analyzing compliance of one or more pieces of equipment with a payload standard. A target payload for the one or more pieces of equipment is determined. Payload weight data is obtained for the one or more pieces of equipment. The payload weight data is then compared with the target payload, and compliance with the payload standard is analyzed based on the results of the comparison.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/286,039, filed Apr. 25, 2001, the contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to standards forequipment operation and maintenance, and more particularly, to a methodand system for analyzing payload information to determine and promotecompliance with desired payload standards.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A number of industries, such as the mining industry, rely onlarge off-highway trucks to transport large cargo loads. Not only arethe loads themselves extensive, but these trucks are frequently operatedaround the clock. Manufacturers or dealers of these off-highway truckstypically provide a warranty for the truck, often covering the entirelife of the vehicle. Because this type of warranty may be costly to themanufacturer, the manufacturer often specifies operating and maintenancestandards, such as maximum operating weights, in order to achieve alonger operating life of the vehicle.

[0004] Sometimes the specified maximum operating weight is viewed as thetarget weight, rather than a weight that should not be exceeded, asthere may be divergent interests in this area. Hauling a heavier loadmay result in a greater profit for the operation, at least in the shortterm. But, frequent overloading will adversely affect equipment life andoperation. Overloading may also result in reduced fuel efficiency andincreased operating costs. Additionally, overloading may increase wearon components and may break structural joints. Some studies have shownthat every one ton increase in mean payload (or cargo weight) abovetarget decreases component life by approximately 1%. Further, repeatedoverloads may potentially decertify brake and/or steering systems in theequipment.

[0005] As noted above, this equipment is typically under amanufacturer's warranty. Component or structural breakdown, as well asreduced operating efficiency, will lead the customer back to themanufacturer. It may be difficult for the manufacturer, however, todetermine whether the failure is due to equipment flaws or to equipmentoverload.

[0006] To balance the interest in hauling at maximum potential with theinterest in maximizing equipment life, equipment owners often requestmanufacturers to provide an “acceptable” overload amount (or percentageabove the target, or acceptable, payload), wherein the adverse effectsto the equipment are minimized while still permitting the hauling oflarge loads.

[0007] Currently, systems exist that determine and store the payloadweights of a vehicle. One such system is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,182,712 entitled “Dynamic Payload Monitor”. This system includes anon-board processor that stores a set of payload weights and maycalculate the average payload and overload percentage. While thisinvention accurately depicts payload and overload information, furthercalculations may be required to truly appreciate the actual operation ofthe vehicle. For example, two sets of payload weights may give the sameaverage payload. This average payload will not indicate whether thereare some trips with very high weights and some trips with very lowweights, versus whether a majority of trips occurred at or near theaverage weight. Further, the currently available systems do not providethe owner with sufficient information to alter his behavior in order toobtain and/or continue compliance.

[0008] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A method is provided for analyzing compliance of one or morepieces of equipment with a payload standard. A target payload for theone or more pieces of equipment of a particular equipment type isdetermined. Payload weight data is obtained for the one or more piecesof equipment. The payload weight data is then compared with the targetpayload and compliance with the payload standard is analyzed based onthe results of the comparison.

[0010] Further, a computer-readable medium, including instructions forperforming a method, when executed by a processor, is provided foranalyzing compliance of one or more pieces of equipment with a payloadstandard. The instructions included with the computer-readable mediuminclude the following steps. A target payload for the one or more piecesof equipment of a particular equipment type is determined. Payloadweight data is obtained for the one or more pieces of equipment. Thepayload weight data is then compared with the target payload andcompliance with the payload standard is analyzed based on the results ofthe comparison.

[0011] A system is also provided for analyzing compliance of one or morepieces of equipment with a payload standard. An input module receivesdata about the one or more pieces of equipment. Connected to the inputmodule, a processing module analyzes the data based on the payloadstandard. An output module, connected to the processing module, providesthe analysis results.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodimentsof the invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary payload analysis systemconsistent with the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2A is an exemplary flow chart of one embodiment of a method,consistent with the present invention, for analyzing payload weightdata.

[0016]FIG. 2B is an exemplary flow chart illustrating one embodiment ofa method, consistent with the present invention, for performingstatistical analysis on the payload data and comparing the analysisresults to a payload standard.

[0017]FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart of a second embodiment of amethod, consistent with the present invention, for analyzing payloadweight data.

[0018]FIG. 4 is an exemplary interface for entering equipmentidentification information, consistent with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is an exemplary interface for entering empty machineweights, consistent with the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 6 is an exemplary interface for determining target payloadweight, consistent with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 7 is an exemplary interface for analyzing payload weightdata, consistent with the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 8 is an exemplary interface for rating the results of payloadweight analysis, consistent with the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 9 is an exemplary interface for calculating a modified targetpayload weight, consistent with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 10 is an exemplary output graph, consistent with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided to analyze payload weight data from one or more pieces ofequipment to determine compliance with a payload standard. For example,an equipment manufacturer, dealer, or owner may determine that it isacceptable for a particular piece of equipment to be overloaded by acertain percentage, so long as the fraction of time that the vehicle isoverloaded remains below another threshold value. Specifically, oneexemplary protocol may be a 10/10/20 standard. In this example, it ispermissible for a piece of equipment to carry a 10% overweight payload(or 1.1 times the target payload) on 10% of its trips. However, nosingle payload should exceed the maximum target payload by 20% (orexceed 1.2 times the target payload). Other protocols may be based onregulatory standards or based on contracts between the manufacturer ordealer and the customer, or desired thresholds established by themanufacturer, dealer, and/or owner.

[0027] The payload standard may be established by anyone having aninterest in equipment performance or equipment operating life, such as amanufacturer, dealer, industry organization, regulatory agency, orowner. Equipment subject to such payload standards may includeoff-highway trucks, on-highway or over-the-road trucks, tractors,trailers, or combinations thereof, railroad cars, any other vehicle ormachine that transports loads of potentially variable weights, and/orany other type of payload carrying equipment. Payload weight dataanalysis may consider multiple payload weights obtained from one pieceof equipment, multiple payload weights obtained from multiple pieces ofequipment (such as a fleet), or multiple payload weights obtained from arepresentative group of pieces of equipment from a fleet, where theresults are to be applied to the fleet as a whole. Payload weights aremost representative when monitored over a period of time; however, it isalso possible to use the features of the present invention to analyzesingle payload weights obtained from one or more pieces of equipment.The results of the payload weight data analysis may be used, forexample, by an owner, manufacturer, or dealer to compare actual loadingpractices to preferred loading practices for warranty analysis ormachine operating life studies or to determine maintenance scheduling.For example, an equipment owner may use the results of payload weightdata analysis for its own purpose, such as ensuring compliance withwarranty guidelines or minimizing the maintenance required to maintain afleet of equipment in working order.

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates a system consistent with the present invention.As shown in FIG. 1, equipment 100 interacts with payload analysis system105. System 105 includes an input module 110 for obtaining data fromequipment 100, an processing module 120, and an output module 130 forproviding results of the analysis. Processing module 120 receives datafrom input module 110, analyzes this data, and provides the results tooutput module 130 for display.

[0029] Equipment 100 may include an off-highway truck, an on-highwaytruck, a tractor, a trailer, or combination thereof, or any other pieceof equipment that transports loads. Further, equipment 100 may be asingle piece of equipment, a member of a fleet of pieces of equipmentwhere payload analysis is performed for the entire fleet, or may be amember of a representative sample of a fleet of equipment where payloadanalysis is performed for the sample, but applied to the whole fleet.Equipment 100 may include information about one or more payload weightsfor a given piece of equipment.

[0030] In one embodiment, payload weights may be collected by anon-board payload sensing system associated with equipment 100. Thepayload sensing system, for example, may include an on-board processorconnected to pressure transducers in the equipment's suspensioncylinders or shock absorbers. The pressure transducers sense the changein pressure in the cylinders as the equipment is loaded with cargo. Theprocessor then converts the pressure information to payload weight andstores the payload weight data, for example, in a database in theon-board processor.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, payload weight data may becollected from an external scale, such as found at a loading area. Apayload weight, associated with the equipment, is then recorded orstored by the scale. Alternatively, the payload weights collected fromthe scale may be stored in a database at a central data facility (notshown) or any other database or record.

[0032] Input module 110 receives payload weight data associated withequipment 100. In one embodiment, input module 110 is connected vianetwork connection 112 to equipment 100. In this embodiment, a user maydownload the stored payload weight data from a payload sensing system,for example, during a routine maintenance visit, using networkconnection 112 between equipment 100 and input module 110. In anotherembodiment, input module 110 is connected via network connection 112 tothe scale or to the database storing weights collected by the scale.Again, the user may download the payload weight data over networkconnection 112 to input module 110. In either of the above embodiments,network connection 112 may include a wire connection or a wirelessconnection. Alternatively, where network connection 112 is a wirelessconnection and a payload sensing system is used, the payload weight datamay be sent to system 105 each time the equipment is loaded, rather thanbeing stored by the payload sensing system. The data sent would then bestored by system 105.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, payload weight data about equipment100 may be measured by a scale or other system, collected, and stored orrecorded either manually or through another method for storing data. Inthis embodiment, the collected data may be provided to input module 110via a device for accessing stored data 114, such as a disk drive,CD-ROM, or optical drive. Alternatively, a user may enter the collecteddata manually via a data input device 116, such as keyboard.

[0034] In addition to payload weight data from equipment 100, a user mayprovide empty machine weight information and/or equipment identificationinformation to input module 110, via a network connection 112, a devicefor accessing stored data 114, or a data input device 116. Empty machineweight information may be obtained through similar methods as used toobtain payload weight data, namely, actual weight information obtainedfrom a payload sensing system in the equipment or from an externalscale. Alternatively, a user may enter an estimated empty machine weightfrom a manufacturer's specification sheet (or other source) for theequipment type and based on the configuration of the equipment.

[0035] In one embodiment, equipment identification information may beused to assist the user in identifying pieces of equipment when trackingthe payload trends of a piece of equipment, fleet of pieces ofequipment, or portions thereof, identifying circumstances surroundingparticular payload weight data, and identifying configurations of thepiece of equipment or fleet of equipment for future reference. Equipmentidentification information may be determined and entered by the user.Equipment identification information, for example, may include anidentification number for the equipment, the location of the equipment,how the payload weight data was recorded (and if manually, the operatorwho recorded the payload weight data), the date of analysis, the userperforming the analysis, the type of equipment, any special equipmentconfigurations, the source of the payload weight data, or any additionaldesired identification information.

[0036] Input module 110 provides the payload weight data, the emptymachine weight information, and the equipment identificationinformation, if used, to processing module 120. Processing module 120includes payload weight database 122, processor 124, and equipmentdatabase 126. Payload weight database 122 stores payload weight data andempty machine weight information received from input module 110.Processor 124 accesses the payload weight data in payload weightdatabase 122. Processor 124 also accesses equipment database 126, whichincludes static information for each equipment type, such as maximumgross equipment weight and payload standard information. Equipmentdatabase 126 may include traditional storage media, such as a database,or specialized storage media, such as look-up tables.

[0037] Processor 124 determines a target payload value based on theempty machine weight stored in payload weight database 122 and themaximum gross equipment weight stored in equipment database 126. Basedon the target payload value, processor 124 analyzes the payload weightdata stored in payload weight database 122 to determine how well theequipment complied with the payload standard. Further, processor 124 maydetermine a distribution of payload weight data, a rating based onequipment compliance with the payload standard, and a modified targetpayload based on previous compliance with the payload standard.Processor 124 then provides the results of the analysis to output module130.

[0038] Output module 130 presents the results, distribution, rating,and/or modified target payload to the user. Output module 130 mayprovide this data in textual and/or graphical format, and may providethe data to a display 132, such as a monitor or screen; to a hardcopydevice 134, such as a printer or facsimile machine; to a stored datadevice 136, such as a disk drive, CD ROM, or optical drive; or may sendthe data over a network device 138 to another system, processor, oruser.

[0039] System 105 may be implemented in various environments to providethe tools for obtaining the required data, analyzing the data, andproviding the results of that analysis. System 105 may be hardwarespecifically constructed for performing various processes and operationsof the invention or may include a general purpose computer or computingplatform selectively activated or reconfigured by program code toprovide the necessary functionality. System 105 may exist at a locationseparate from equipment 100, such as a central data facility.Alternatively, system 105 may be provided as an on-board system onequipment 100. In this case, input module 110 may obtain the payloadweight data directly from the payload sensing system of equipment 100.As an on-board tool, system 105 may provide real-time warnings to theoperator of the equipment regarding compliance with the payloadstandard. As a further alternative to this embodiment, using wirelessnetwork connection 112, periodically updated analysis results may besent to a central data facility for record keeping andcompliance-assurance. In addition, functions of the input module 110,processing module 120, and output module 130 may be combined.

[0040]FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method foranalyzing payload weight data, consistent with the present invention.First, a target payload is determined based on the equipment type (step200). The target payload is the specified allowable payload, and maydepend on the model of equipment as well as the configuration of theequipment, including, for example, the fuel tank capacity of theequipment or the dump body design. One exemplary method for determiningthe target payload is to subtract an empty machine weight (EMW) from themaximum gross machine weight (MGMW) for the equipment, for example.Processor 124 accesses the MGMW for the equipment type from equipmentdatabase 126. Processor 124 then subtracts the EMW, received from inputmodule 110, from the MGMW, to determine the target payload.Determination of the EMW itself is described in further detail below,with reference to FIG. 3.

[0041] Alternatively, the target payload may be based, at least in part,on one or more external characteristic or configuration of theequipment. For example, the standard target payload may be altered toreflect the fact that the equipment operates on sloped terrain orcarries a particular type of load. The target payload may also be basedon a contract between the manufacturer and the owner. In these cases,where the target payload is determined via alternative methods, thecompliance of a piece of equipment with the payload standard may beperformed for both the typical target payload weight or standard, e.g.,a first standard, and for the alternative or contractual payload weightor standard, e.g., a second standard.

[0042] Next, payload weight data is obtained from one or more pieces ofequipment (step 210). As described above, there are numerous ways forpayload weight data to be collected from equipment 100, transferred toinput module 110, and sent to payload database 122. For example, apayload sensing system in equipment 100 may collect the payload weightdata and send it, via network connection 112, to input module 110. Inputmodule 110 forwards the payload weight data to payload database 122.Payload weight data may be expressed in metric tons, U.S. tons, or anyother appropriate weight unit. In one embodiment, only one unit is usedfor each set of data analyzed. Payload weight data may include multiplepayload weights from a single piece of equipment, where each payloadweight represents a different load hauled. Alternatively, payload weightdata may include one or more payload weights from each of a plurality ofpieces of equipment, such as a fleet. In yet another alternative,payload weight data may include one or more payload weights from arepresentative sample of pieces of equipment from a fleet, wherein theresults of the analysis on the payload weight data for the sample willapply to an entire fleet. Because the analysis depends on the equipmenttype and configuration, embodiments analyzing weights from multiplepieces of equipment preferably ensure that each piece of equipmentincluded is of a similar type and configuration.

[0043] In another embodiment, analysis of the payload weight data for afleet of differently configured pieces of equipment may be performed. Inthis embodiment, the analysis may be based on a relative target payload.

[0044] Finally, the payload weight data is analyzed with reference to apayload standard, to determine the level of compliance with the standard(step 220). Depending on the payload standard, a number of statisticalcalculations may be performed on the payload weights. This step isdescribed in further detail with reference to FIG. 2B, which illustratesan exemplary analysis done in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2B, the arithmetic mean (or average) of thepayload weights may be calculated, as is the standard deviation (step230). Next, the percentage of payload weights falling below anacceptable overload is calculated (step 240). The acceptable overloadmay be expressed as a percentage or fraction of the target payload(determined in step 200). For example, an acceptable overload may be 10%over target payload (or 1.1 times the target payload). The payloadweight data is then compared to this acceptable overload weight, and thepercentage of payload weights falling below that value is calculated.

[0046] The percentage of payloads greater than a maximum acceptableweight is then determined (step 250). Similarly, the maximum acceptableweight may be expressed as a percentage or fraction of the targetpayload. For example, maximum acceptable overload may be 20% over targetpayload (or 1.2 times the target payload). The payload weight data isthen compared to the maximum acceptable weight and the percentage ofpayload weights falling above that value is calculated. Further, themaximum acceptable weight may be compared to the maximum gross machineweight, determined in step 200. If the maximum gross machine weight isless than the maximum acceptable weight, the maximum gross machineweight is preferably substituted for the maximum acceptable weight todetermine the percentage of payloads greater than the maximum grossweight.

[0047] Additional percentages may also be calculated, depending on thepayload weight standard that is being considered. For example, it may berelevant to calculate the percentage of payload weights falling above orbelow the target payload, the percentage of payload weights fallingbetween the target payload and the acceptable overload weight, or thepercentage of payload weights falling between the acceptable overloadweight and the maximum acceptable weight. Other calculations are alsopossible.

[0048] Following calculation of the relevant percentages, the equipmentmay be rated based on the calculations and the payload weight standard(step 260). For example, the compliance rating may be a simpleindication of compliance. If the relevant payload standard was the10/10/20 standard, as described above, this rating would be as follows.So long as the equipment had less than 10% of its payload weights abovethe acceptable overload weight (or 10% over) and none of its payloadweights at greater than the maximum overload weight (20% over), then theequipment rates “compliant”—otherwise, the equipment is “non-compliant.”Additional rating schemes are also possible. For example, a gradedrating scale may be used, wherein the equipment is assigned a numeric orother rating based on the percentages calculated in steps 240 and 250 orbased on comparison of the payload weight data with the payloadstandard. One such graded rating scale is shown in FIG. 8. In thisparticular rating system, a piece of equipment may receive a rating of“1” if 100% of its payloads are less than the acceptable overload weightand no loads are greater than the maximum acceptable weight. A piece ofequipment may receive a rating of “5”, however, if only 80% of itspayloads are less than the acceptable overload weight and 1% of theloads are greater than the maximum acceptable weight. The specifics ofthe rating scale may vary depending upon the application and can beadjusted as necessary to provide useful compliance information in asummary form.

[0049] In one embodiment, a modified target payload may be calculated(step 270). This modified target payload takes into account the priorpayloads of the piece of equipment and determines a target payload,which if followed, would ensure compliance with the payload weightstandard. One possible formula for calculating the target payload is tocalculate a figure that is three standard deviations less than themaximum acceptable weight. For example, a given truck has a targetpayload weight of 160 and a maximum acceptable weight of 195. In step230, it is determined that, for a given set of payload data, thestandard deviation is 8. A modified target payload may be calculated bysubtracting three times the standard deviation from the maximumacceptable weight, or in this example, the modified target payload is195−3(8), or 171.

[0050]FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a method foranalyzing payload weights based on a payload weight standard, consistentwith the present invention. Similar to the method described with respectto FIG. 2, this alternative embodiment adds additional features to thepresent invention.

[0051] First, the user enters equipment identification information intothe system (step 300). This equipment identification information mayinclude a equipment identification number, the location of theequipment, how and by whom the payload weight was recorded and stored,the date of analysis, the user performing the analysis, theconfiguration of the piece(s) of equipment, and other information that auser may find helpful to identify either the equipment at issue or thecircumstances surrounding the analysis. An exemplary user interface forentering such data is shown in FIG. 4.

[0052] Next, the user determines if there are multiple empty machineweights (step 310). As noted above, empty machine weights may beobtained either from payload sensing systems on-board the equipment orfrom an external source, such as a scale. Additionally, empty machineweights may be estimated from a performance handbook or provided by amanufacturer's specification sheet. If only one empty machine weight hasbeen obtained from the payload sensing system or a scale, the userenters the single empty machine weight (step 315). Alternatively, if theempty machine weight has been estimated from a specification sheet, theuser would enter the single empty machine weight. If, instead, there aretwo or more empty machine weights, the system may calculate an averageempty machine weight based on the two or more empty machine weights(step 320). An exemplary interface for entering either a single emptymachine weight or multiple empty machine weights is shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] Empty machine weights may either be entered manually via an inputdevice 116, or obtained over a network connection 112, or from a devicefor accessing stored data 114. After the empty machine weights areentered, as shown in FIG. 5, a user may click the “Calculate EMW” buttonto prompt the system to calculate the average empty machine weight. If asingle empty machine weight is to be used, the user may simply enterthat figure in the box following “Mean=”. As shown on FIG. 5, the usermay also select whether to use U.S. or metric tons for the calculations.Regardless of the unit of measurement selected, the weight datathroughout should consistently use the chosen unit.

[0054] Regardless of how the empty machine weight is determined, thenext step is to determine target payload weight (step 330). Targetpayload weight is dependent on the type of equipment and theconfiguration of the equipment. As noted above, one method fordetermining the target payload is to subtract the empty machine weight(EMW), determined in either step 315 or 320, from the maximum grossmachine weight (MGMW), from equipment database 126, for the equipment.An exemplary interface for entering equipment information to obtain atarget payload weight is shown in FIG. 6. For example, as shown in FIG.6, the data for each machine may be contained in the system. The usermay select which model of equipment is at issue, and the MGW for thatpiece of equipment would be filled in at the appropriate location on thescreen. Further, the system may automatically subtract the EMW, asdetermined in step 320, from the MGW.

[0055] Payload weight data is then obtained (step 340). As describedabove, there are numerous ways for payload weight data to be collectedfrom equipment 100, transferred to input module 110, and sent to payloaddatabase 122. Payload weight data may contain payload weights from oneor more pieces of equipment. Only one unit, for example, either U.S.tons or metric tons, should be used for each set of data analyzed.Because the analysis depends on the equipment type and configuration,however, weights from multiple pieces of equipment preferably ensurethat each piece of equipment included is of a similar type andconfiguration. An exemplary interface for entering payload weight datais shown in FIG. 7. After the payload weights are either entered orimported into the system, the user may click the “Calculate Payload”button, prompting the system to provide the statistical results, asshown.

[0056] Next, the payload weight data is analyzed based on the payloadweight standard, as well as the target payload determined in step 330(step 350). This analysis follows that which is described in detail withrespect to FIG. 2B, and may include calculating the mean and standarddeviation, calculating a series of percentages related to the payloadweight data and the payload standard, rating the equipment based on thepercentages, and/or calculating a modified target payload. A modifiedtarget payload may be calculated to provide a more accurate targetpayload for ensuring compliance. Because the payload weights may beconsidered as scattered in a normal distribution, it can be shown thatover 99% of the loads fall within a range from minus three standarddeviations to plus three standard deviations. A good estimate for targetpayload, then, is the maximum acceptable weight minus three standarddeviations. This number simply provides an update to the target payloaddetermined earlier in step 330.

[0057]FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary interface providing results of thecalculations and ratings performed in step 350. FIG. 9 illustrates anexemplary interface providing a modified target payload to the user.

[0058] Finally, the system may create a graphical representation of theanalysis (step 360). FIG. 10 illustrates one exemplary graphicalrepresentation. The vertical dotted lines may indicate the targetpayload, the acceptable overload, and the maximum acceptable weight. Thedistribution of the payload weights with respect to these lines may beused to show an owner how the history of the equipment complies (or doesnot comply) with the standard in an easy to understand fashion. Forexample, in FIG. 10, line A represents the target payload; line Brepresents 10% over the target payload; and line C represents 20% overthe target payload. Ideally, a piece of equipment's payloads should becentered around line A, with none exceeding line C.

[0059] Industrial Applicability

[0060] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention providea way to ensure compliance with a payload standard. This may assist amanufacturer or dealer in performing a warranty analysis, or may providesufficient information to an equipment owner to help him obtaincompliance or maintain compliance with respect to his equipment or tomonitor equipment health and/or life expectancy. With respect to amanufacturer or dealer, when a piece of equipment is presented forroutine maintenance (as is typically required of equipment of thistype), the manufacturer can obtain the payload weight data from thepiece of equipment for all payloads since the last maintenance and mayarchive the data for future use. When an owner brings a piece ofequipment in for warranty repairs, the manufacturer may analyze thearchived data and determine whether the piece of equipment has beenoperated according to the supplied payload weight standard. Alongsimilar lines, the equipment owner may analyze the payload weight datato determine if he has been operating in compliance with the standardprovided by his warranty. Because the system provides a modified targetpayload as well as a graphical representation, it is easy for the ownerto understand how well the payloads have complied in the past, as wellas how to comply in the future.

[0061] Further, systems and methods of the present invention may be usedto monitor the payload management of a piece of equipment or fleet ofpieces of equipment over time. For example, monthly analysis mayindicate that an owner is continuing to increase the payload in hisequipment, and is approaching a mark of non-compliance. By showing theowner this up-trend, the owner may be able to alter his behavior toensure future compliance.

[0062] Finally, the system and method of the present invention may beused to flag certain pieces of equipment or fleets for additional ormore frequent maintenance and reviews. For example, if the systemdetermines that a piece of equipment is frequently operated at higherthan the target payload, it may be called for maintenance morefrequently than a piece of equipment that less frequently surpasses thetarget payload.

[0063] In addition to the payload standard provided by the manufacturer,the system may also be used by a manufacturer, dealer, or owner todetermine if the operation of the piece of equipment falls within otherimposed standards. Additionally, there may be instances where acontractual operating standard is imposed in addition to, or instead of,a typical manufacturer's warranty standard. This situation would alsoavail itself to use of the system of the present invention.

[0064] Thus, the present invention has wide application to monitorcompliance with payload standards of all types. The system providesvaluable information in a timely manner to both monitor compliance andallow adjustments where necessary to ensure future compliance. Otheraspects and features of the present invention can be obtained from astudy of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for analyzing compliance, of one or morepieces of equipment, with a payload standard, the method comprising:determining a target payload for the one or more pieces of equipment;obtaining payload weight data for the one or more pieces of equipment;comparing the obtained payload weight data with the determined targetpayload; and analyzing compliance with the payload standard based on theresults of the comparison.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofanalyzing compliance includes the steps of: analyzing compliance with afirst payload standard based on the results of the comparison; andanalyzing compliance with a second payload standard based on the resultsof the comparison, wherein the first payload standard does not equal thesecond payload standard.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the targetpayload is determined based on at least one of the following features:slope of terrain, type of terrain, or type of payload.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further including the step of determining an empty machineweight for the equipment type, the step including: obtaining an emptymachine weight for two or more pieces of equipment of the equipmenttype; and calculating an average of the obtained empty machine weights.5. The method of claim 1, further including the step of determining anempty machine weight for the vehicle type, the step including: obtainingan empty machine weight for two or more pieces of equipment, wherein thetwo or more pieces of equipment are members of a fleet of equipment ofthe equipment type; calculating an average of the obtained empty machineweights; and applying the average as the determined empty machine weightfor each piece of equipment in the fleet.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of determining a target payload includes the steps of:determining an empty machine weight for the equipment type; determininga maximum gross machine weight for the equipment type; and subtractingthe determined empty machine weight from the determined maximum grossmachine weight.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of analyzingcompliance includes the steps of: calculating a mean payload value basedon the payload weight data; calculating a standard deviation based onthe payload weight data; and determining a distribution of payloadsbased on the calculated mean payload value and the calculated standarddeviation.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the payload standardincludes an acceptable overload value and an unacceptable overload valueand the step of analyzing compliance includes the steps of: determininga first percentage of the payload weight data where each payload weightincluded in the first percentage is less than the acceptable overloadvalue; and determining a second percentage of the payload weight data,where each payload weight included in the second percentage is greaterthan the unacceptable overload value.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe step of determining a second percentage includes the steps of:choosing the lesser of the unacceptable overload value or a maximumgross machine weight as a maximum threshold; and determining a secondpercentage of the payload weight data, where each payload weightincluded in the second percentage is greater than the maximum threshold.10. The method of claim 8, further including the step of: providing acompliance rating for the one or more pieces of equipment based on thedetermined first and second percentages.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of analyzing compliance includes the step of: providinga compliance rating for the one or more pieces of equipment based on theresults of the comparison.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the stepof analyzing compliance includes the step of: providing a compliancerating for the one or more pieces of equipment based on a set of one ormore predetermined factors.
 13. The method of claim 1, further includingthe step of: displaying graphical results illustrating the results ofthe compliance analysis.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofanalyzing compliance includes the step of: calculating a modified targetpayload weight based on an analysis of previous payload weight data. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein the step of calculating a modifiedtarget payload weight includes the step of: multiplying the standarddeviation of the payload weight data by a predetermined factor to obtainan offset; and subtracting the offset from a maximum acceptable payloadweight.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:determining equipment identification information about the one or morepieces of equipment.
 17. A computer-readable medium includinginstructions for performing a method, when executed by a processor, foranalyzing compliance, of one or more pieces of equipment, with a payloadstandard, the method comprising: determining a target payload for theone or more pieces of equipment; obtaining payload weight data for theone or more pieces of equipment; comparing the obtained payload weightdata with the determined target payload; and analyzing compliance withthe payload standard based on the results of the comparison.
 18. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the step of analyzingcompliance includes the steps of: analyzing compliance with a firstpayload standard based on the results of the comparison; and analyzingcompliance with a second payload standard based on the results of thecomparison, wherein the first payload standard does not equal the secondpayload standard.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, whereinthe target payload is determined based on at least one of the followingfeatures: slope of terrain, type of terrain, or type of payload.
 20. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the method furtherincludes the step of determining an empty machine weight for theequipment type, the step including: obtaining an empty machine weightfor two or more pieces of equipment of the equipment type; andcalculating an average of the obtained empty machine weights.
 21. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the method furtherincludes the step of determining an empty machine weight for theequipment type, the step including: obtaining an empty machine weightfor two or more pieces of equipment, wherein the two or more pieces ofequipment are members of a fleet of pieces of equipment of the equipmenttype; calculating an average of the obtained empty machine weights; andapplying the average as the determined empty machine weight for eachpiece of equipment in the fleet.
 22. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein the step of determining a target payload includes thesteps of: determining an empty machine weight for the equipment type;determining a maximum gross machine weight for the equipment type; andsubtracting the determined empty machine weight from the determinedmaximum gross machine weight.
 23. The computer-readable medium of claim17, wherein the step of analyzing compliance includes the steps of:calculating a mean payload value based on the payload weight data;calculating a standard deviation based on the payload weight data; anddetermining a distribution of payloads based on the calculated meanpayload value and the calculated standard deviation.
 24. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the payload standardincludes an acceptable overload value and an unacceptable overload valueand the step of analyzing compliance includes the steps of: determininga first percentage of the payload weight data where each payload weightincluded in the first percentage is less than the acceptable overloadvalue; and determining a second percentage of the payload weight data,where each payload weight included in the second percentage is greaterthan the unacceptable overload value.
 25. The computer-readable mediumof claim 24, wherein the step of determining a second percentageincludes the steps of: choosing the lesser of the unacceptable overloadvalue or a maximum gross machine weight as a maximum threshold; anddetermining a second percentage of the payload weight data, where eachpayload weight included in the second percentage is greater than themaximum threshold.
 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, furtherincluding the step of: providing a compliance rating for the one or morepieces of equipment based on the determined first and secondpercentages.
 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein thestep of analyzing compliance includes the step of: providing acompliance rating for the one or more pieces of equipment based on theresults of the comparison.
 28. The computer-readable medium of claim 17,wherein the step of analyzing compliance includes the step of: providinga compliance rating for the one or more pieces of equipment based on aset of one or more predetermined factors.
 29. The computer-readablemedium of claim 17 wherein the method further includes the step of:displaying graphical results illustrating the results of the complianceanalysis.
 30. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the stepof analyzing compliance includes the step of: calculating a modifiedtarget payload weight based on an analysis of previous payload weightdata.
 31. The computer-readable medium of claim 30, wherein the step ofcalculating a modified target payload weight includes the step of:multiplying the standard deviation of the payload weight data by apredetermined factor to obtain an offset; and subtracting the offsetfrom a maximum acceptable payload weight.
 32. The computer-readablemedium of claim 17, wherein the method further includes the step of:determining equipment identification information about the one or morepieces of equipment.
 33. A system for analyzing compliance, of one ormore pieces of equipment, with a payload standard, the systemcomprising: an input module for receiving data about the one or morepieces of equipment; a processing module, connected to the input module,for analyzing the data about the one or more pieces of equipment basedon the payload standard; and an output module, connected to theprocessing module, for providing the results of the analysis of thedata.
 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the input module is connectedto at least one of a network connection, a device for accessing storeddata, or a data input device.
 35. The system of claim 33, wherein theone or more pieces of equipment are connected to the input module by anetwork connection.
 36. The system of claim 33, wherein the outputmodule is connected to at least one of a monitor, a printer, a device tostore data, or a device to send data over a network.
 37. The system ofclaim 33, wherein the processing module includes: a payload database; aprocessor; and an equipment database; wherein the payload databaseincludes payload weight data from the one or more pieces of equipmentand the equipment database contains data about the payload standard. 38.A method for reviewing a request for warranty service on a piece ofequipment subject to a payload standard, the method comprising:receiving payload weight data associated with the piece of equipment;analyzing the payload weight data for compliance with the payloadstandard; and responding to the request for warranty service based onthe analysis.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the step of analyzingthe payload weight data includes: determining a first percentage of thepayload weight data where each payload weight included in the firstpercentage is less than an acceptable overload value; and determining ifthe first percentage is less than a predetermined threshold value.
 40. Amethod for maintaining compliance with a payload standard for one ormore pieces of equipment, where a first target payload is known for theone or more pieces of equipment, the method comprising: at periodicintervals, obtaining payload weight data associated with one or morepieces of equipment; analyzing the payload weight data based on thepayload standard and the first target payload; receiving, as a result ofthe analysis, a second target payload; and modifying loading practicesfor the one or more pieces of equipment based on the second targetpayload.
 41. A method for scheduling maintenance for one or more piecesof equipment subject to a payload standard, the method comprising:receiving payload weight data associated with the one or more pieces ofequipment; analyzing the payload weight data for compliance with thepayload standard; and scheduling maintenance for the one or more piecesof equipment based on the analysis.